Despite the recent increase in voter turnout, too many eligible Americans still fail to exercise their most essential democratic right—the right to vote freely. Out of 49 professed democracies, the United States, ranks 31st—between Greece and Colombia, in the percentage of eligible voters who turn out at the polls. This would be disturbing at any time, but it is particularly alarming now, when, as most of us would agree, the stakes will be so high in the coming elections, especially in 2024.

The goal of National Registration Day (NVRD)—a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrated every September—is to encourage all eligible citizens to make sure they are properly registered. Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, forget to update their registration after they move, or just aren’t sure how to register.

On NVRD, organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to local food banks and public libraries join forces for a one-day, nationwide democracy blitz to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities and procedures.

This year, National Voter Registration Day is September 19. In St. Lawrence County, the League of Women Voters will be celebrating NVRD by staffing registration tables at SUNY Canton and SUNY Potsdam. For students who prefer to vote at home, where they may feel more familiar with local issues, we use a NVRD QR code and website to direct them to their home state’s Board of Elections to register and, if their state allows it, request an absentee ballot online.

In addition to registering voters, NVRD seeks to make registrants “Vote Ready” by explaining state-specific deadlines, policies, and options for casting a ballot, and providing information on local elections.

This November, most elections will be local. Because voter turnout tends to be lower for local elections, individual voters have far more electoral clout. From property taxes and police funding to trash pickup and school curriculum, the decisions of local officials have direct effects on our daily lives. Registering and voting enable citizens to actively engage in democratic self-government, from the most momentous issues to the most locally relevant.

The League of Women Voters urges all eligible citizens to first make sure you are properly registered, then, come November, get out there and Vote It Counts!

Kathleen Stein, President
LWV of St. Lawrence County
Canton